Two of the most popular ingredients in the world — wine and chocolate — enjoy a wonderful marriage in a product made in Holland called ChocoVine. (www.chocovine.com).

The concept of combining a quality French cabernet wine with dark chocolate and Dutch cream results in a wine variety that can be savored as a liquid dessert, poured over ice cream, or used in blended cocktails. We recently experienced the original chocolate variety as well as the delicious raspberry offering. A glass of ChocoVine make a lovely sweet treat at the end of the day, served chilled neat or on the rocks. A splash or two also makes a decadent topping for vanilla or coconut ice cream. ChocoVine is a must-have for anyone who loves fine wines and authentic tasting chocolate!

With summer’s plentiful harvest of fresh fruits and vegetables right around the corner, we invite you to consider learning the art and craftsmanship of making preserves from scratch.

There’s a new Robert Rose book release, “Best of Bridge Home Preserving” (www.robertrose.ca) that provides a wonderful tutorial about creating jams, jellies, marmalades, pickles and more, right from your own kitchen! Who knows — you may find yourself a wonderful new hobby that can turn into a lucrative artisan food business!

Where’s Waldo fans won’t want to miss out on the very clever line of “Where’s Waldo” chocolate bars (www.praimgroup.com/shop).

Great to use as party favors or a special confectionary treat, Where’s Waldo bars feature 3.5 ounces of smooth and creamy premium milk chocolate that melts lusciously on your tongue. Available in seven different collectible bar wrappers, including The Land of Waldos, Where’s Waldo Hearts, Cake Factory, Ski Slopes and several holiday editions. Simply great fun and great taste!

Since skin is the largest organ of the body, anything we can do to maintain its good health is a wise investment!

Karen Fischer is the author a fascinating new book called “28 Days to Younger Skin: The Diet Program for Beautiful Skin including more than 50 recipes” (www.robertrose.ca). It’s a comprehensive guide to understanding how what we consume and how we cleanse our skin makes all the difference between looking youthful and radiant or tired and pale. You won’t have to spend as much money on facial moisturizers, cleansers and make-up when you consistently feed the health of your skin from the inside out!

When was the last time you really indulged in a favorite food offering without worrying about the calories?

It’s time again for the Summer of Shakes at Sonic Drive-Ins (www.sonicdrivein.com) and we guarantee you’ll have a smile of satisfaction on your face after tasting any one of the three special summer of 2014 flavors: Chocolate Covered Jalapeno (pictured), OREO Peanut Butter, and Salted Caramel (our favorite). There are also more than 20 other flavors on the menu , with a half price special after 8 pm. every evening. Go all the way and request that your shake creation be finsiehd with authentic whipped cream and even a cherry on top and savor the smooth and satisfying richness of a Sonic Shake from their Frozen Zone menu, always made using real ice cream!

True peanut butter lovers don’t have to settle anymore for those manufacturer brands that have all the taste and consistency of wall paper paste and the aroma of stale peanuts! Bliss Nut Butters (www.blissnutbutters.com) have arrived!

Created using real peanut oil and all natural ingredients, Peanut Butter Bliss made with honey and sea salt has a wonderfully crunchy texture and authentic peanut taste that makes a hearty sandwich but can equally be enjoyed as a treat by the spoonful. For peanut butter lovers who are more adventuresome, Bliss makes a Chia Seed Peanut Butter version, as well as a third offering, which proves to be the perfect spread for breakfast toast, Cinnamon Chia Seed Peanut Butter Bliss. Make room in your pantry and refrigerator this spring for Bliss Nut Butters, great for snacking, as a sandwich filling, or for using in any recipe that calls for peanut butter.

If you or your family loves to celebrate special occasions with cake as the main dessert, you should check out Carey Madden’s new “Sensational Buttercream Decorating” guidebook (www.robertgrose.ca).

This comprehensive guide gives you step by step instructions for creating cakes that are creative works of art ready to be celebrated and then savored. More than 600 glorious photographs give you step by step instructions and there are plenty of creative ideas beyond the traditional Happy Birthday cake. This book may even inspire a few people to take up cake decorating professionally!